Prevent Summer Slide

Learning Benefits

It is wise as a parent of a struggling reader to try to stop "summer slide" — the backsliding that may occur when students are out of school. Try these strategies to help your child improve her reading during the summer and beyond:

Six Books to Summer Success: Research shows that reading just four to six books during the summer may keep a struggling reader from regressing. When choosing the books, be sure that they are just right — not too hard and not too easy.

Read Something Every Day: Try to take advantage of every opportunity to read. In the morning, encourage newspaper reading — even if it is just the comics. During the day, your child can read schedules, TV guides, magazines, etc. For example, if your child watches the food channel, help him look for a recipe online. End the day by having your child read to you from the book he is currently reading. Have him rehearse a paragraph, page, or chapter before reading to you.

Keep Reading Aloud:Reading aloud benefits all children and teens, especially those who struggle. One benefit is that you can read books your child can't, so she will be building listening comprehension skills with grade-level and above books. This will increase her knowledge and expand her experience with text, so that she will do better when she reads on her own.

It’s hard to keep up a reading routine with many summer distractions. These suggestions are meant to fit into a busy schedule and to make reading fun!